海角社区

Beyond the Finish Line: Naleia Sowell鈥檚 海角社区 Story

Access That Started on the Track

Naleia Sowell 鈥�25 arrived at Metropolitan State University of Denver with a clear goal: to run track. What she found, however, was something far more lasting.

鈥淚 went to MSU for one reason, to run track, but then I stayed for one reason: academics,鈥� Sowell said.

As a student-athlete, Sowell experienced a version of college life that was demanding and distinct. Athletics, she said, did not overshadow her education, it enhanced it. 海角社区鈥檚 commitment to access allowed her to pursue both high-level athletics and meaningful academic engagement on an urban campus designed to support students from diverse paths and priorities.

鈥淚 was respectfully integrated athletically,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut my academic participation was far greater.鈥�

How Exercise Science is the Foundation

Sowell graduated in 2025 with a degree in exercise science and a minor in pre-health care. She describes her experience within the Exercise Science Department as foundational to both her confidence and career readiness.

鈥淚t鈥檚 hard to pick a favorite professor,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 would take at least 90 percent of my major classes over again.鈥�

Working within the department further deepened her learning and strengthened relationships with peers and faculty. Professors Gabriela Rodriguez and Dr. Chad Harris, she said, were instrumental in providing support, mentorship and opportunities that extended beyond coursework.

鈥淭hey work endlessly to support 海角社区鈥檚 students,鈥� Sowell said.

From Internship to Industry Impact

Following graduation, Sowell鈥檚 internship turned into a part-time research role at the Anschutz Medical Campus, where she spent a year as a professional research assistant. She worked on a metabolic-based study alongside Dr. Audrey Bergouinian, Dr. Ana J. Pinto and their research team.

Through the BURST2D study, Sowell built technical skills and professional connections. These relationships were so impactful that they recently led to her current full-time position in the metabolic industry.

鈥淭hat experience took me farther than I expected,鈥� she said.

Now, Sowell鈥檚 work spans health, wellness and research-driven practice. Her role includes traveling to demonstrate exercise testing protocols, developing plain-language learning management systems, programming for individuals beginning or resuming exercise and translating peer-reviewed research into accessible knowledge for diverse audiences.

Science and Service

Sowell鈥檚 career reflects 海角社区鈥檚 commitment to providing students with adaptable skills that open doors across industries. With a research foundation and a passion for learning, she continues to expand her expertise while meeting people where they are.

鈥淭he most interesting part of my job is being able to communicate with seemingly infinite populations,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd meet them where they鈥檙e at.鈥�

Her internship experience, she noted, was the primary preparation for professional life. Faculty mentors such as Dr. Q and Gabriela Rodriguez played pivotal roles in helping her make the transition from student to professional.

鈥淚 have not stopped learning since graduating,鈥� Sowell said. 鈥淎nd I really love what I do.鈥�

Looking Ahead Personally and Professionally

Personally, Sowell is focused on traveling and expanding her experience as a human. Professionally, her purpose is clear.

鈥淚 am here to share, support and provide wellness to those who seek it,鈥� she said.

While she is currently focused on developing herself beyond university and athletics, Sowell values knowing she can reconnect with 海角社区 when the time is right.

Advice to Current Roadrunners

Her message to students is direct and rooted in self-trust.

鈥淵ou know what you want. Take advantage of your resources to pursue it,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f you don鈥檛 know what you want, you at least know what you don鈥檛 want. Move away from what you don鈥檛 want.鈥�

Sowell鈥檚 journey, from the track to the lab to the broader health and wellness industry, is an example of how students can push beyond expectations and continue growing long after graduation.